Environmental Policy Newspaper Article

President Obama is seeking to invest roughly $2.3 billion in more clean energy tax credits. This issue relates to a few different areas which overlap, renewable energy, the environment, economic competition, and job creation, since it is mainly regarding the manufacturing industry. Each of these relative areas aspires to create a multiplier effect inferred from the current Administration. President Obama seeks to be aggressive with America’s investment into more “green jobs,” yet while it may seem unpopular due to its cost to taxpayers. The tax credits also have the intention to help working and middle class America in nearly every state encompassing close to 200 different projects. However, the previous administration and more over the last two decades have not seen an increased effort to improve these areas which allows this opportunity to be accomplished. Obama’s perspective may mirror that of President Bill Clinton with very a strong stance to improve environmental issues. On the other hand the Carter Administration, which may have seemed somewhat lackluster in his effect at the time, established the mood for those like Clinton and Obama to push forward a more comprehensive approach (Vig, 75-79).

As those opposed to this particular issue will state, this may cost up to $8 billion if the President’s requested amount to Congress is approved, however it is an investment in our future. Furthermore, it is one that has the potential to pay dividends within advancements in energy efficiency, less damage to our environment over a long period of time, and the creation of competition in this field by creating more job opportunities. Recipients of the credit include manufacturers of solar panels, wind turbines, and nuclear power materials. While the Bush Administration did get the Energy Policy Act of 2006 passed, it may have sought too much investment in the petroleum industry, with little language adopting more conservation efforts. However, the policy did seek more use of nuclear power which has become more efficient and cleaner disposal techniques. Also, as opposed to Obama’s plan Bush sought tax reductions in many of these industries, rather than sustainable growth. Furthermore, the previous administration allowed through these policies a much more relaxed mentality allowing more “wiggle-room” for private industry to maneuver encouraging “clean coal” technology and increased off-shore drilling (Vig, 86-88).

Obama’s approach to these issues has become more populist over the last year, as he attempts to gain support from the “Right.” Nonetheless, he seeks to compete with other nations and strives to push America to be the leader and innovator in green technology and a cleaner nation. On the other hand, the amount of money being invested into this program only creates roughly 58,000 jobs with the intention to do more. That is only half of what the U.S. lost in December. I believe that this investment is imperative; however, I feel that this shift towards green technology and jobs is long overdue. Having that sentiment, the American people must be patient with these types of developments because of their impact on how we live and how it will improve the environment which we inhabit.

Within the discussion I would like to see more emphasis placed on the social costs savings and positive externalities on our environment in regards to these green jobs. For these jobs only will exist due to the nature that we want to preserve our well-endowed nation and our planet. Policymakers and the executive branch must not become confused with the means and the ends of what we are doing when regarding renewable energy and environmental preservation. Lastly, Obama needs to stress the impartiality of conserving our environment, demonstrating that no longer are these issues platform staples of the” Left” or the “Right,” but vital to both. In pushing for more of these jobs and developments in energy we can create a sustainable economy, while driving down greenhouse gas use and limiting use of fossil fuels by the largest consumer in the world, ourselves.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/74989-obama-announces-23b-in-clean-energy-manufacturing-credits